CHUKAS AKUM-----4th of july

kuriyus Posted - 04 July 2006 14:26

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Are Jews allowed to celebrate the 4th of July? like putting out a flag?

MODERATOR Posted - 04 July 2006 15:14

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yes, you are allowed, and yes, you should celebrate the 4th of July. You’re not obligated to put out a flag, but it is a good thing to do (Rav Avigdor Miller ZTL and Rav Pam ZTL used to do it every year). We should have gratitude to America for housing us during our stay here in Golus, especially since we are treated here in this country so well. America is a wonderful place for frum Jews and we should show our appreciation.

Besides which, Jews are obliged to be good and loyal citizens to their host countries in Golus, even without the unique situation American Jews find themselves in.

As an aside, Rav Chaim Volozhen ZTL said that, regarding the wandering of the Jewish nation throughout Golus, that the last place the Jews will settle before Moshiach comes, is America.

Tortured_Soul Posted - 05 May 2007 20:31

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I understand _respecting_ and _acknowledging_ the 4th of July, such as by displaying a flag but _celebrate_? It _is_ a goyishe holiday. I would certainly think that celebrating in a goyishe way, such as with a barbecue, sporting event or attending a parade would not seem proper. All of these can also entail tsnius problems.

MODERATOR Posted - 07 July 2008 10:01

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tortured - I didn’t mean "celebrate" in that sense. Barbeques and the like aren't the point. Forget them. It's the Jews' participation in our fellow countrymen's country’s expression of recognition and gratitude for our country.